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The Bible says: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news” (Rom. 10:15). Scripture commands Christians to tell others about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Here are a dozen practical ways to do this. 

1. Use Words

Using words to evangelize seems obvious. It is not. St. Francis of Assisi apparently said: “Always give the gospel; if necessary, use words.” This makes no sense.

I recommend you read an article called: “Was St. Francis a Sissy?” The author argues that St. Francis was no coward and never said these words. It is impossible to give the gospel without words. Romans 10:17 says, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

The most practical way you can evangelize is opening your mouth and telling others about Jesus Christ. 

2. Preach in the open-air

Open air preaching is desperately needed in today’s world but rare. It takes much courage. 

Charles Spurgeon said: “It would be very easy to prove that revivals of religion have usually been accompanied, if not caused, by a considerable amount of preaching out of doors, or in unusual places.”

Since we must “preach the gospel to every creature” (Mk. 16:15), open air preaching is a great method to use. 

3. Go house-to-house

The apostles evangelized “from house to house” (Ac. 5:42; 18:7; 20:20). Knocking on a stranger’s door to share the gospel can be terrifying. I’d encourage you to greet them with a smile on your face and ask a couple probing questions, like: “If you died today, where would your soul go?” Or, “Do you believe in life after death?” If they’re interested, use your Bible or hand them a tract. 

This is called Stranger Evangelism, though Friendship Evangelism is more popular because it is frightening talking to strangers about the gospel. There are few examples of Friendship Evangelism in Scripture.  

4. Lifestyle evangelism

Consider the testimony of Tertullian, an early Church Father. Before conversion, Tertullian’s heart was cold. But it began to thaw when he witnessed the courage of the Christians that were killed by the lions in the Roman Coliseum. The suffering of these believers showed Tertullian the sin in his heart and he became a Christian.

When God’s people act holy and godly, this will often lead to the conversion of the lost. Lifestyle evangelism is only improper if it refuses to follow up godly living with clear gospel proclamations. 

5. Free your pastor to evangelize

Though you may not be gifted in evangelism, your pastor is surely gifted to do so. When Christians labor work to serve their church, it will free their pastor to give all of his time and energy to the Word and prayer (Ac. 6:2-4). 

6. Pray and sing in public so others can hear you

Paul and Silas prayed in prison so that others could hear. “The prisoners were listening to them” (Ac. 16:25). Evidently the prison guard was among them. He was later converted. 

This is not a case of standing on the street corner and praying for pride’s sake. Jesus rebuked this (Matt. 6). But how many Christians do not pray over their food in restaurants? They are missing an opportunity to witness for Christ.  

7. Bring people into your home (18:26) 

Cyprian of Carthage is one of the great Church Fathers. Though he became a famous bishop, he was not converted until his mid-forties. How? He lived for a time with a pastor that gave him the clear gospel message. 

8. Debate

Paul debated with the philosophers of his day as a means to present the gospel. He “conversed” with them (Ac. 17:18), which means to express differences in a forceful way. Debates present contrasting viewpoints and are especially a good method to use on college campuses. 

9. Teach outside the box

Paul regularly went to the synagogue in each town. But there was no synagogue in Philippi, so he tried a different method by going to the women at the riverside (Ac. 16:13-14). 

In old South Africa, there were no fences or gates round people’s homes. Now residences resemble fortresses, making it impossible for door-to-door evangelism. Don’t quit. Try a different strategy.

10. Circulate good evangelistic preaching

At age 26 John Owen still was not sure of his conversion, even though he grew up in a Christian home, attended a Christian college and had taught some Christian classes. 

One day he and a friend went to hear a famous preacher. When the popular speaker could not attend and was replaced by an unknown country preacher. Owen’s friend wanted to leave and hear someone else. Owen’s decision to stay became a turning point in his life. The man preached from Matthew 8:26: “Why are afraid, O you of little faith?” God used this sermon like an arrow to Owen’s heart. The Holy Spirit caused all of his doubts about eternal life to vanish as he put his full trust in the work of Christ. 

This story illustrates the power of evangelistic preaching. Our modern era of technology makes this even easier to find. Grace to You is a good place to start. 

11. Kindly rebuke the sin of others

Few actions today are considered more politically incorrect than chastising other people. You’ll quickly be called judgmental. But don’t fall into the trap that says love never says a harsh word. Love rejoices in the truth. 

In the 16^th century, John Hooper risked losing friends, too, when he rebuked Sir Kingston for adultery. This wealthy man cursed Hooper and punched him in the face. Still, Hooper stood firm. 

The day before his Hooper’s death, Sir Kingston—the man who had once hated Hooper—begged him to loosen his beliefs. Hooper said: “The life to come is more sweet.” Kingston wept, saying: “I thank God that I know you, since God chose you to call me, a lost child” to Himself. 

Christians must always rebuke in love and with a spirit of meekness and gentleness. And when they do reprimand sin, God may use this to soften hardened hearts and point them to Christ. 

12. Give to and promote gospel projects

Living Waters is one of my favorite websites. There you will find hundreds of videos about evangelism. Give to the ministry, or better, buy their tracts.

If you have a child who no longer listens to your gospel message, one night at family worship, tell them you’re going to watch a movie and then play one of their gospel interviews. It will bring tears of laughter and joy. 

John Bunyan was converted through the two books his new wife brought into the marriage. John Hus was converted by reading a cartoon. 

Conclusion

Scripture gives Christians many ways to share Christ with others, such as the dozen examples above. When believers get busy teaching the gospel of Jesus to others, the Lord will bless their efforts with spiritual fruit.